Need help to decide if I NEED the D7000 or stick with D5100

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Need help to decide if I NEED the D7000 or stick with D5100

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OSusannah

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I have used point and shoot for the past 15 or so years, previous experience with film SLR, all Canon cameras. Now I am looking at taking the DSLR plunge.

Mostly my photos are snapshots of the kids, vacation, etc. However, with 5 kids, we have some huge special events coming up and I want to invest in a camera that will take the best pictures with the least amount of learning for me. Each event/concert/ceremony/formation has its own challenges and I need to get and learn to use a camera that will capture these memories for me. I also do a little video, mostly indoors, low-light.

The main reason I was looking at the D7000 instead of D5100 (or 60D from T3i) is the increase in focus points. Also, the decrease in noise at longer distance shots because my son's Naval Academy events are frequently taken from quite a distance. I am hesitating to upgrade because of the articulating screen on the 5100 but not the d7000.

The D7000 and an extra lens (55-200 or 55-300) would be the absolute top of my spending limit, which is why I was considering the Canon 60D, it is $300 less. Is this a $300 well spent or will the 60D serve me just as well? Being my first DSLR, I doubt I would use any of my older Canon lenses.

EDITED because I researched some more threads (sorry, should have done that sooner) and have clarified what I need help with which is pretty much what I listed in the two paragraphs above this one.

Susannah

Posted 1 year ago #
OSusannah

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Wanted to add that this would be a camera that I would keep for as long as it works. I'm not the type to upgrade every year or two, or even three!

Posted 1 year ago #
InTheMist

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Image quality is, in my view, identical. You get more bells and whistles with the D7000. Check my flickr page for examples of both.

If you find yourself limited by access to some settings that you need immediately, I would recommend the D7000. I have both. Really, the images are the same.

Posted 1 year ago #
El_Pickerel

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I considered upgrading to the D5100 from my D5000, but I am glad I went with the D7000. I use the camera very aggressively and really appreciate having quick access to almost any setting I could possibly need to change in the middle of shooting without going in to a menu. Shoot, I don't even need to look at the camera to change most settings! I also prefer the larger 100% viewfinder - even though I crop way more often now than I used to, I enjoy using the entire frame and composing shots right to the corners. Also, using to its full potential some of the great older glass that does not have a built in autofocus motor. I do love the 39-point AF grid too, and it tracks subjects very well.

The dual memory card slots came in handy on my recent trip to Iceland. I didn't bring a laptop with me, just an android wifi mp3 player. I shot in RAW to a memory card in the first slot. When I was around wifi I would process the raws into jpegs on a microSD card in an SD card adapter in the second slot. Then I could just dump those to flickr from the mp3 player's microSD card slot. Next time I go on a long trip (let's say 2+ weeks) I'm just going to splurge and get a small laptop though. I hated typing on that darned touch screen!

If you don't need the more accessible control interface of the D7000, then as @InTheMist said the D5100 will give you the same image. Only difference could be requiring a bit more time to set up the camera for the image.

Posted 1 year ago #
rburgett

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Don't forget to go to a store and hold them both in your hands.
The D5100 is much smaller than the D7000, and I personally wouldn't consider the D5100 because it just feels too small for me.

Posted 1 year ago #
JForhan

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rburgett said:
Don't forget to go to a store and hold them both in your hands.
The D5100 is much smaller than the D7000, and I personally wouldn't consider the D5100 because it just feels too small for me.

THIS!

I loved the D7000 when I had DX. The wife did not so I sold it (body only) and got her a D5100. Fits her hands much better. The D7000 was a handful and then some for her. I also had some $$$ left over for some new CF for the D800 I just picked up today. :-)

Later,
Jeff

Posted 1 year ago #
OSusannah

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El_Pickerel said:
I considered upgrading to the D5100 from my D5000, but I am glad I went with the D7000. I use the camera very aggressively and really appreciate having quick access to almost any setting I could possibly need to change in the middle of shooting without going in to a menu. Shoot, I don't even need to look at the camera to change most settings! I also prefer the larger 100% viewfinder - even though I crop way more often now than I used to, I enjoy using the entire frame and composing shots right to the corners.

Is it naive of me to think that I won't have to change the settings after I get them like I want? I'm thinking that if I have a condition such as a dark theater, then I wouldn't need to change the setting until we leave. I mainly use the pre-set programs now, but I could learn to make adjustments.

If the 5100 doesn't have a 100% viewfinder, does that mean I will have to frame my shots with more than I want because I see less in the viewfinder? or the other way around?

Posted 1 year ago #
OSusannah

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JForhan said:
THIS!

I loved the D7000 when I had DX. The wife did not so I sold it (body only) and got her a D5100. Fits her hands much better. The D7000 was a handful and then some for her.

Locally, I can't find a D7000. The store I went to had the 60D and the D5100. I do remember one being smaller and seeming a little easier for me to handle although the larger one wasn't overly cumbersome for me, can't remember which was which now. I've seen and read so much and been to the store 4 times, I am getting a little overwhelmed. Dumb, I know because I'm just adding to my own confusion.

Posted 1 year ago #
roombarobot

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I was in the same boat recently and I chose the D5100. (I had a Canon dSLR previously.) I could have afforded the D7000, but the difference in features didn't justify the increase in body price. More money in my pocket (or for other stuff like lenses) is all good to me!

Both have the same great sensor and thus both have the same image quality. The extra buttons and controls might have been nice, but I do like Nikon's menu system and I find it easy to change settings. I also think that the smaller D5100 body does have some advantages as well, smaller, lighter weight, etc.

I got the D5100 bundle with the 18-55mm and the 55-300mm. If you buy that combo it is $250 off for this month. I thought that too was helpful to get that range of lenses and also save $250. I probably wouldn't have gotten the telephoto right away had that instant rebate not been available.

Best of luck in your choice, I am sure you are going to like whatever you get!

Posted 1 year ago #
PB PM

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Honestly, based on the OP's first post, (most prominently the point about the least learning required) I don't think a DSLR would be the best choice. I never recommend a DSLR to a snap shooter. Maybe a micro four thirds camera or Sony NEX or Canon G1X would be better for the type of user described.

Posted 1 year ago #
JesusFreak

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I also just came from the Canon side, and found the D5100 had more then sufficient features and a good price point. I could have gone with the D7000 as well, but I like the smaller size. Getting to the settings is really not a big deal, there are customizable short cuts to get to the main functions you would use quickly. The image quality is significantly better then my Rebel XSi, especially shooting in low light.

I got a great deal on a "Factory Demo" package from Cameta that closed the deal for me. So far no regrets.

Posted 1 year ago #
The Man From Mandrem

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I got D7000 over D5000 primarily for the video and the capability to use old lenses.

Unlike Canon, Nikon continues to support screw driven lenses and even manual focus. Nikon's USM-like AF-S lenses are newer and more expensive, so I was able to get old lenses that give me good optics relatively inexpensively and re-use some old lenses to reduce my spending. This aspect of D7000 vs. D5000 was tremendously useful to me. If I tried to get AF-S lenses instead of the cheaper AIS or AF-n/AF-D lenses, I would have ended up spending many thousands more on lenses.

The video side of things ended up more complicated than I thought because the DSLR gives you a core capability to do video, but I found severe motion issues with I tried to hand-hold. My impression is if you want to pan you need a good fluid head for tripod (>$130) or a good video monopod ($300); you need a good mike (>$100) and/or an off-board audio recorder ($300); you want a graduated ND filter or an ND filter set so you can do wide aperture whenever you want (>$150 though the ~$250 Singh-Ray looks amazing). So even keeping away from the doo-dads of true DSLR videography (Viewfinders, Rail Systems, Focus Pull) you end up having to spend alot more to get a clean movie-quality image and sound. Of course you can keep it on a tripod on a ball head in a fixed position, but that cuts down how much you can use it. In retrospect, I suspect a cheap ($300) HD camcorder with zoom and image stabilization may have been a smarter way to capture important memories unless one is willing to invest time and effort in DSLR videography. I'm taking that path right now but it's more investment in time and money than it looked when I was looking at the D7000 stats... Anyways D5100 seems to have same or better video.

Re: your comment on learning curve, I didn't find a learning curve on D7000 since the basic button layout is like my film cameras and while you CAN go into menus to change alot of things, the only NEW button you need to learn is ISO (which used to be coded on the film). I think in your case, sticking with Canon is the best way to reduce a learning curve if you were very comfortable with the button layout and labelling of Canon film cameras. I find Canon layouts and labels perplexing since I've used Nikons for half my life.

Posted 1 year ago #
El_Pickerel

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OSusannah said:
Is it naive of me to think that I won't have to change the settings after I get them like I want? I'm thinking that if I have a condition such as a dark theater, then I wouldn't need to change the setting until we leave. I mainly use the pre-set programs now, but I could learn to make adjustments.

I am not sure how you shoot, but most of the time this won't be an issue. Like I said, I am very aggressive with the camera and frequently am using it on the move or in rapidly-changing situations and this is something important for me.

If the 5100 doesn't have a 100% viewfinder, does that mean I will have to frame my shots with more than I want because I see less in the viewfinder? or the other way around?

The D5100's viewfinder covers less than the area of the sensor. Not by much, but for someone that likes to fill the whole frame without cropping, getting 100% coverage is nice.

Posted 1 year ago #
OSusannah

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I really appreciate the time everyone took to offer their suggestions/opinions. Everything y'all said is helpful. Mostly all of this started because of the unsatisfactory photos from my Canon Powershot SX10is -namely blurry ballerinas, washed out son in his dress whites, and really grainy video of my daughter's guitar solo on a dark stage with only a blue spotlight. The powershot did a fair job at our last graduation, no blur, but pretty grainy. Video/audio on all of the DSLRs in my price range sound a little disappointing.

It sounds like I should stick with the 5100 over the 7000 and canons (didn't like the reviews of canon lenses compared to nikon). PB PM, I looked at the cameras you recommended but the 5100/lens promo seems too good to pass up. Since I'm just starting out, there will be learning on whichever system I go with, I'm just planning on spending a month learning the basics then work on the specifics for each event as it comes up. Is that a good plan?

What I'm looking at right now is the 5100 with kit lens 18-55 plus 55-300 lens, total $1000 (or $900 if I go with the 55-200). Purchasing from local camera shop for the help they've given and promised in the future. I know I also need a memory card, class 10, any recommendation on brand/size? Do I need a protective filter for the lenses? Do you recommend David Busch's Guide and/or Field Guide or something else? What else do I need, I have amazon store credit. Several have recommended tripod and flash, but when would I need them? I thought I would skip the flash, but if I want to take a really good portrait outside in shade, would I need it over the one on the camera? Will I want a prime lens for portraits?

Thanks again everyone, this site has been invaluable!

Posted 1 year ago #
El_Pickerel

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If you are concerned about people poking at the lens, UV filters are not a bad idea. Not sure how old your kids are, but even if they are older and using your camera they will probably try cleaning it with a t-shirt other undesirable materials.

Lenses and other peripherals... you have to decide what they're all worth to you and how much you'll use them. I bought an SB-700 to upgrade from my cheap (actually free from a friend) Sunpax flash. That and my macro lens are my least-used pieces of kit, but I don't regret having them because when I need them, I need them.

You don't really need a prime lens for portraits. You won't get too much background blur with the 18-55, but if you're the right distance from your subject and shooting with the aperture wide open, you will still be able to isolate your subjects. The woman I was traveling Iceland with just used some Canon entry-level DSLR, and when she wanted me to get shots of her from her camera, I just used the kit lens at 55mm and f/5.6. Filling one side of the frame with her head + shoulders, the depth of field was shallow enough to get some blur. Maybe not the results I would get with my 70-200, but for a tenth the price I don't think anyone was complaining.

Posted 1 year ago #
InTheMist

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Good luck, you're gonna love it. Just one thing: In your budget, consider the 35mm f1.8g. Its super cheap and just fantastic and helpful when you're at those night-time parties and want to get a shot.

Learn about framing, composition and exposure.

Here is one picture I took wiht my D5100:

In fact, all the car pictures in my flickr page were taken with the D5100 because I had a telephoto mounted on my "main" D7000 which was basically useless.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/inthemist/6988021861/in/photostream/

Posted 1 year ago #
InTheMist

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Ah what the hell, here is another one from my D5100.

Posted 1 year ago #
OSusannah

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El_Pickerel said:
... they will probably try cleaning it with a t-shirt other undesirable materials.

Oh, I can see it now, they would so do this. Ages 10-21.

I will add a flash to my Christmas list if I haven't gotten it before then (wow, way more expensive than I thought it would be) and I'll also look into the lens InTheMist recommends. I like that it is good for low light but most of my low light shots are from a distance. Beautiful photos, I looked through your Flickr pics yesterday.

Posted 1 year ago #
The Man From Mandrem

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On Flash cards, here's good advise.

http://www.cameratips.com/d3100/nikon-d3100-memory-card-advice

I think class 10 8GB Sandisk cards can be had for about $16 online. I typically check Sandisk and Lexar pricings and buy Sandisk if they're the same price.

Filters (I like Nikon NC) are especially useful if you go near oceans (mist/spray from salt water breaking against rocks).

Posted 1 year ago #
El_Pickerel

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OSusannah said:
Oh, I can see it now, they would so do this. Ages 10-21.

I will add a flash to my Christmas list if I haven't gotten it before then (wow, way more expensive than I thought it would be) and I'll also look into the lens InTheMist recommends. I like that it is good for low light but most of my low light shots are from a distance. Beautiful photos, I looked through your Flickr pics yesterday.

I have the DX 35mm f/1.8G and while it is a good lens, the 18-55mm and its vibration reduction are better for low light in a way. Using the VR, you can shoot at smaller apertures and slower shutter speeds and lower ISO and get a greater depth of field / cleaner image than you would get with the 35mm f/1.8. With the 35mm f/1.8 you are limited to opening up the aperture and increasing the ISO to keep shutter speeds reasonable. However, the faster aperture lets you open up the aperture to f/1.8 and keep your shutter speeds fast to freeze motion. Since you have kids and it sounds like you are photographing their events, maybe this would be a helpful lens for that.

Example: I use the 24mm f/1.4 and 16-35mm f/4 VR. I use the 24mm f/1.4 for its fast aperture to keep shutter speeds high and stop motion while shooting dances, or to create shallow depth of field at wide angles. I use the 16-35mm f/4 VR to let me shoot as f/8 and ISO 100 at shutter speeds of 1/4 second or slower (1 second at 16mm, 1/4second at 35mm), without getting camera shake in the images.

Posted 1 year ago #
domsmith

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I think you should use D7000 because it is very handful. D5100 is smaller than D7000. You really liked D7000.
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Posted 1 year ago #
skoobey

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Would it be a "mean" thign to say get none of those and just go for a used D300(s)???

It is a lower res camera, but it has that "special" something that D70,D80 had, and that got lost on the way.

If you can stretch you budget, just go get a used D700, but beware of the lens compatiblity and also reach.

Posted 1 year ago #
TaoTeJared

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It sounds like you would be happier with a J1 or V1. Anymore, unless you want a large hobby of photography, DSLRs are a bit of an overkill. Many get DSLRs because they think they "need" to but for kids, vacations and the like added that you are used to compacts, the J1 or V1 would probably be more of your cup of tea. Worth checking out and trying it. The image quality is great on them.

Posted 1 year ago #
Dave_Robo

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Don't worry about the articulating screen. It's just one more thing to break. Don't look at what your needs are now. Take a little time and think of what you might want to do in the future. If you're shooting simple scenes stay with the D5100. The D7000 will give you easier control over a wider range of photo types. Coming from point & shoot you will enjoy either. Good luck.

Posted 1 year ago #
msmoto

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TaoTeJared said:
It sounds like you would be happier with a J1 or V1. Anymore, unless you want a large hobby of photography, DSLRs are a bit of an overkill. Many get DSLRs because they think they "need" to but for kids, vacations and the like added that you are used to compacts, the J1 or V1 would probably be more of your cup of tea. Worth checking out and trying it. The image quality is great on them.

Yup, Unless you have a very special reason to have all the versatility of a DSLR, the V1 or J1 as Tao has suggested might be the way to go. These are a more logical upgrade from a P & S than a DSLR. And you can carry them around so much easier... available for every event. Check these out, and see.......

Posted 1 year ago #